Anderson Silva vs. Rich Franklin

Current UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva will have to defend his title against a hungry Rich “Ace” Franklin in his hometown. Their last fight ended with Silva destroying Franklin with knees to the face. I don’t see it going down that way again, Franklin is a smart fighter, you know he has been preparing to fight Silva for some time. Franklin will probably see what he can do on the ground with Silva before trying to stand with the champion in the later rounds. I still see Silva still winning the fight, but this time its going to be by a later round KO/TKO or decision.

Prediction: Anderson Silva by TKO/KO

Tim Sylvia vs. Brandon Vera

I respect Brandon Vera as super talented fighter, but be realistic, Tim Sylvia’s size is going to be a major factor in the fight. Vera shouldn’t be fighting heavyweight and with a 40+ weight differential, I cant see him winning this fight. Big Tim has fought some of the most talented heavyweights in the world, while Vera still needs some top level experience.

I’m not a big fan of Sylvia’s reserved fighting style and I can stand a fighter that doesn’t put it on the line to finish fights, but I am going to go with Tim Sylvia catching Vera in the second or third round.

Prediction: Tim Sylvia by TKO/KO

Alan Belcher vs. Kalib Starnes

This fight is very well matched with similar styles. Both fighters are going to let their hands go and I see the outcome being similar to Starnes vs. Leben, with Starnes pulling off the close decision.

Predictions: Kalib Starnes by decision.

Stephan Bonnar vs. Eric Schafer

I have Bonnar winning this fight easily, he is more talented and now that he moved to Vegas and is training with Randy Couture, his overall skills should make for an easy win over Eric Schafer. Schafers last fight he was dismantled by Michael Bisping at UFC 66. I see the fight ending early in the first or second round.